Director New Business Operations

Franklin, WI

Full-time

Company Description

You and Northwestern Mutual. We believe relationships are built on trust. That our lives and our work matter. And we’re much stronger together than we are apart. These beliefs launched our company nearly 160 years ago. Today, they’re just a few of the reasons why people choose to build careers at Northwestern Mutual.

Our business is about helping people secure their financial futures, and that starts with putting people first – our clients, our employees and our field representatives. Northwestern Mutual is known for financial strength. We’re strong, innovative and growing. Come grow with us.

Job Description

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe relationships are built on trust. That our lives and our work matter. These beliefs launched our company nearly 160 years ago. Today, they're just a few of the reasons why people choose to build careers at Northwestern Mutual.

We're strong and growing. In a company with such a long and storied history, this may be the most exciting and important time to be a part of Northwestern Mutual. We're strong, innovative and growing.

We invest in our people. We provide opportunities for employees to grow themselves, their career and in turn, our business.

We care. We make a positive difference in our communities. Nationally, thousands have benefitted from our support of research and programs to fight childhood cancer. Each year, our Foundation, employees and financial representatives donate time, talent and financial support to causes they're passionate about.

This position has been classified as an Access Person, which will require the reporting of your personal securities transactions.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What's the role?

Directs the overall operations of the New Business issuance process for life insurance to ensure department goals for revenue, cost, and regulatory compliance are met. Divisions include:

Centralized Application Input

Client History Interview (CHI)

New Business Insurance Operations Call Center (IOCCC)

Annuity New Business

Post Approval

Replacement & 1035 Exchanges

Responsible for effective selection, training, professional development, motivation and appraisal of people in order to sustain a high performing, engaged workforce. Increase diversity & inclusion, and develop talent/leadership. Develop direct reports as leaders. Maintain an appropriate level of staffing resources to manage costs and volume fluctuations. Develop others in the operation to ensure a pipeline of talent for key roles both within the division and across the department: team leads, mentors, technical experts, and managers.

Sponsor and execute projects and initiatives to improve the client and field experience with the new issue process. Serve as sponsor of Rapid Improvement Events that change and improve new issue operations, particularly events concerning quality, timeliness, and customer experience. Determine optimal responsibility for new business processes between the home office and field, and lead efforts to change or relocate such responsibilities. Accountable for communicating effectively with the Field regarding all aspects of the New Business operations processes. Lead changes in a way that demonstrates respect for people.

Sponsor technology and/or process solutions to help Northwestern Mutual to innovate and remain competitive with other carriers’ new issue experiences, including factors such as issue speed, quality, and ease of doing business.

Bring Your Best! What this role needs:

· Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field required.· Demonstrated strong leadership ability through successful management experience at the assistant director level in an administrative or project leader capacity required.· Strong quantitative, business judgment and decision-making skills.· Proven ability to apply technical knowledge to solve complex business problems.· Demonstrated superior written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build rapport, negotiate and gain acceptance at all levels in the Home Office and Field.· Demonstrated ability to coach, motivate and develop people required.